R U Okay?

This is an Australian day that acknowledges depression.  How Huge is that?  Pretty Huge in my book.

Whats more, how important is it?  It's immense.  The person you think "has it all" can be depressed, the new mum putting up a brave front for the rest of the world as she doesn't want to be judged poorly can be depressed, the man who is so macho that you would never assume would be affected by depression may have been battling it for years. 

Do you ever think about someone and wonder if they are okay without actually asking?  Does it matter how close your friendship-relationship is?  When is it appropriate?  Well really how hard is it to say R U OK?  You might be surprised to find out you are the lifeline that person needs.  All they might need is to talk.  Perhaps more but with someone on their team you'd be surprised how far that can go.

Very recently the depression card was closer to home than one would like.  But is it a bad thing?  I don't think so.  R U OK? is all about acknowledging it and finding ways to deal with it.  Turning a negative into a positive.

Have a think if anyone around you might need you, don't hesitate to ask R U OK?

For more information regarding depression in New Zealand www.depression.org.nz